Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe

If you’re craving something that hits all the cozy fall vibes with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, then this Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Trust me, these bars are seriously one of those desserts that you’ll find yourself dreaming about right after one bite—gooey pumpkin filling, a buttery graham crust, with a luscious chocolate and coconut topping that’s just irresistible. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe combines pantry staples with pumpkin butter for a wonderfully balanced flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a specific role to create that gooey, decadent experience you’ll crave again and again.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a buttery, crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted to marry with the graham crumbs and add richness without being overly salty.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to ensure smooth blending – it gives the bars a creamy tang and body.
• Pumpkin Butter: The star ingredient, which is sweeter and smoother than plain pumpkin puree, intensifying the pumpkin flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and depth of sweetness that complements the spices.
• Eggs: Binder and texture enhancer for the filling, also helping it set just right.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the mix.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Classic warm spices that elevate the pumpkin flavor and balance sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: For pockets of melted richness that contrast with the pumpkin gooeyness.
• Unsweetened Flaked Coconut: Sprinkle on top for a toasty, chewy finish—it’s the perfect counterpoint to the rest.

Variations

I love that this Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe is so flexible—you can easily make it your own with a few tweaks. Feel free to play around to suit your taste or dietary needs!

• Nut-Free: Swap out the crust for a crushed oat base instead of graham crackers if you have a nut allergy or want a gluten-free option.
• Extra Chocolatey: For a serious chocolate lover like me, I sometimes add chunkier dark chocolate pieces in place of half the chips—total game changer.
• Spiced Up: If you like your pumpkin with extra warmth, a pinch of ground cloves or allspice works beautifully.
• Less Sweet: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips and reduce brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sugary treat.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with nonstick spray—trust me, you want these bars to come out flawlessly. In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to form an even crust layer. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down—it helps keep the crust from crumbling later.

Step 2: Whip Up That Luscious Pumpkin Filling

Next, in your electric mixer bowl (or a large mixing bowl if beating by hand), beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth with no lumps—that’s key to that perfect ooey-gooey texture. Then, add in the pumpkin butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Beat everything on medium speed until completely combined and silky smooth. It’s crucial not to overbeat at this stage; just enough to blend all ingredients so your filling is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour your pumpkin mixture evenly over the graham crust, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips all over the surface. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for the first 20 minutes. At that point, carefully remove the bars and evenly sprinkle the flaked coconut on top. Pop the pan back into the oven for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the coconut is toasted golden and the center jiggles just a tiny bit when you gently shake the pan.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let those bars cool completely at room temperature—the gooey center needs to set up nicely. I highly recommend refrigerating them for a couple of hours or even overnight (I often make this recipe a day ahead), which makes cutting cleaner and flavors even richer. Use a sharp knife to slice into 16 to 20 generous bars, depending on how big you like ’em.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these bars, I love to dust a little powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of cinnamon. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can also add a delightful crunch and extra fall flavor that pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich enough to stand alone, but I’ve often paired them with a warm spiced latte or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make dessert feel extra special. For gatherings, a simple cup of hot apple cider or chai complements the spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or potlucks, I like cutting these bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a festive platter with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for decor. Another fun option is to layer the bars in clear glass jars as a grab-and-go dessert. Adding a cinnamon stick tied with twine makes it a cute gift idea too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pumpkin Gooey Bars covered in the fridge. They keep really well for up to 4 days without losing their moist texture. I actually love how the flavors deepen after a day or two, and the fridge keeps the bars firm and easy to handle.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. I cut them into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When I want a treat, I just pop a bar out to thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

If you want to bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it—you want them warm and soft, but not melty or runny. Alternatively, a few minutes in a low oven wrapped in foil works great too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Gooey Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like capturing all the magic of fall in a single bite—warm spices, melty chocolate, and that dreamy pumpkin filling. It’s the kind of recipe I reach for when I want to impress friends without fuss or when I need a little autumn comfort on a busy day. I’m confident you’ll love them as much as my family does, so go ahead—bake a batch, slice them up, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.”

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